We are able to assist and advise in cases where it is necessary to make an application to court in order to obtain a legal declaration to clarify whether a named person is or was the parent of another named person. There are a number of circumstances where this may be necessary, including where a father has not been named on a child’s birth certificate.
It is also a process that may be used where a mistake has been made in completing the necessary formalities by a fertility clinic. A declaration of parentage may also be relevant where a father has not been named on the birth certificate and a child of that parent wishes to make a claim against his estate.
We are highly experienced in all aspects of family law and are able to advise you on the legal position and process to obtain a declaration of parentage.
Related Services:
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Navigating changes to your family structure requires specialist expertise, strategic thinking, and a genuine understanding of your situation. At Payne Hicks Beach, our experienced solicitors are dedicated to protecting your assets, your family, and your privacy while ensuring a fair and favourable outcome.
Contact Us
Why Choose Payne Hicks Beach for Family Law?
Recognised by Chambers HNW (Band 1) and Legal 500 for specialist expertise, strategic advice, and handling of high-complexity cases. Our partnership of experienced family law specialists ensures you benefit from the best collective knowledge in the field.
We are proficient in all areas of family law from advising in relation to nuptial agreements, dealing with complex and often international financial remedies cases and are highly experienced in all aspects of family law relating to children including regulating arrangements for their care, domestic and international relocation and child abduction. No matter how challenging your circumstances may seem, our team has the experience and sensitivity to guide and support you through every aspect of the process.
High Net Worth family law cases often require input from other disciplines, including tax planning, wealth protection, business succession, reorganisation or creation of trust structures and property arrangements. As a multi-service firm we are able to offer comprehensive support in wealth, tax, business, reputation management and private client matters delivering a coordinated strategy.
We understand that privacy and discretion are of critical importance to our clients. As well as being seasoned litigators we are also highly experienced in all aspects of Non-Court Dispute Resolution including arbitration, mediation and private hearings. We are committed to ensuring your family’s privacy and reputation are protected throughout the process.
MEET OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM
Insights
15 June 2026
What to look for, what to ask, and how to find the right specialist for your situation How do I choose a family law solicitor…
Read more
IVF issues for LGBTQ+ couples
5 August 2022
The government has recently announced a strategy to improve access to IVF treatment for female same-sex couples. In England,…
Read more
How do I begin the process of surrogacy?
3 June 2024
Surrogacy is an increasingly popular family building method for those unable to conceive or carry a child to term. Our Modern…
Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The court cannot physically compel somebody to undertake a DNA test. However, the court can make an order for a person to take a DNA test and if they refuse to do so can draw inferences from their refusal.
If the identity of a child’s father is called into question, or there is no name on the birth certificate there are several reasons why it may be important to have a declaration of parentage. If the biological father is not named on the birth certificate then he may not have the right to make applications to court in respect of the child for child arrangements orders – for example to spend time with the child. Additionally, there may be inheritance reasons why an application for a declaration of parentage might be important.
Yes. The court can declare that a particular individual is not the biological parent of a child.
Yes. A declaration of Parentage or Non-Parentage can result in alterations being made to a child’s birth certificate, for example by adding the name of the biological father.
